Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas.
In simple terms, critical thinking requires you to use your ability to reason, logic and rational interpretation in making decisions and conclusions. It is about being an active learner rather than a passive recipient of information.
Critical thinkers rigorously question ideas, get curious and test assumptions rather than accepting them at face value or getting carried away with what is popular or exciting. They will always seek to determine whether the ideas, arguments and findings represent the entire picture and are seekers of truth and objectivity.
It means that we as humans, must apply our executive (human) brain, the part that separates us from the animals. Now this all sounds relatively simple but it is not. We are animals and emotional ones at that. To thinking critically, we must train ourselves to temporarily overwrite the mammal brain where thoughts, feelings, memories and fear resides.
As humans, we use all parts of our brain, usually subsconsiously, to interpret the world and make decisions in a split second. You don't consciously think about crossing the road, taking a walk or eating lunch - you just do it automatically.
When you need to make a decision in business, your mind goes into overdrive. You take all the knowledge you have, your hopes, fears and motivations, your logic and reasoning, experience and wisdom, and hopefully you find the right answer.
However, when you look at where you are right now in business, you are already emotionally invested and it's hard to objectively see the truth.
Some people think that they are masters at critical thinking because they can become cold, calculating and analytical. It's why it's easy to make decisions based on data - do what the numbers tell you to do. You might as well just be a computer and leave running your business to artificial intelligence. Critical thinking mastery use all available information to make decisions. They include people, culture, emotions, loyalties and community impact. They bring the human into the equation.
Critical thinking skills
01
Understands the links and connections
Critical thinking requires you to take multiple sources of information and understand the links and connections between them. You are able to appraise each on its own merit and in relation to the issue at hand, then determine whether it has genuine merit or relevance. This skill is essential in today's information-saturated world, where it can be challenging to discern what is true and what is not.
Critical thinking also involves analyzing arguments and evidence presented by others. In a world filled with biased news sources, fake news, and misleading advertisements, being able to critically evaluate the validity of claims and evidence is crucial. It allows you to make informed decisions based on facts rather than opinions or emotions.
One way to practice critical thinking is by asking questions. When presented with new information, ask yourself: who is providing this information? What are their motives? Is there any evidence to support their claims? Are there any conflicting perspectives?
Another important aspect of critical thinking is considering alternative viewpoints. Often, we may hold onto our own beliefs and opinions without considering other perspectives. However, by actively seeking out different viewpoints and evaluating them objectively, we can broaden our understanding and knowledge on a particular topic.
Additionally, critical thinking involves being able to recognise logical fallacies. These are errors in reasoning that can often be used to manipulate or deceive people. By learning how to identify logical fallacies, you can better avoid being persuaded by false arguments.
In today's fast-paced world where information is constantly bombarding us from all angles, it is essential to develop strong critical thinking skills. Not only does it allow us to navigate through the overwhelming amount of information available, but it also enables us to make well-informed decisions based on evidence rather than biases or emotions.
02
Objectively appraises ideas and approaches
Objectively appraising an idea means you remove emotion where possible and focus on facts and what is useful or not. Perhaps it requires seeking counsel, a pro/cons list or creating a scoring system. It is the pursual of truth. When it comes to evaluating an idea, it's important to approach it with objectivity. This means setting aside personal feelings and biases and looking at the facts objectively. The goal is to determine whether the idea is useful or not.
One way to do this is by seeking counsel from others. Getting a fresh perspective can help identify potential flaws or strengths in the idea that may have been overlooked. It also allows for a more well-rounded evaluation.
Another helpful tool is creating a pro/con list for the idea. This allows for a clear comparison of both the positive and negative aspects, making it easier to see if the benefits outweigh any drawbacks.
Additionally, some people find it useful to create a scoring system for evaluating ideas. This involves assigning points for different categories such as feasibility, impact, and cost. This method provides a more structured approach to determining the value of an idea.
It's important to also consider the potential audience for the idea. Will it appeal to a specific demographic or have widespread appeal? Understanding who the target audience is can help determine its potential success.
Another factor to consider is timing. Is this idea relevant and timely or has it already been done before? It's essential to research existing solutions or similar ideas to ensure that the proposed concept is original and innovative.
Lastly, it's crucial to keep an open mind throughout the evaluation process. Sometimes initial reactions may change after further analysis and discussion. Being flexible and open to different perspectives can lead to better decision-making.
03
Identifies their own assumptions, beliefs and bias
When stripping down to the essential facts, you must also identify your own emotions, experiences, assumptions and beliefs. These will colour your judgement. Noticing and acknowledging them will enable you to be more critical and objective - but ultimately you will need to live with you decision, and that is always emotional. It is important to be aware of these emotions and to manage them effectively when making decisions.
As humans, we are not always rational beings. We are influenced by our emotions, experiences, assumptions and beliefs in every decision we make. These factors can often cloud our judgement and lead us towards biased or irrational choices. However, it is crucial to recognize and acknowledge these influences in order to make more informed and objective decisions.
Our emotions play a significant role in decision-making. They can range from fear and anxiety to excitement and happiness, all of which can heavily impact our thought processes. Being aware of our emotional state allows us to better understand why we may lean towards certain decisions and take steps towards managing those emotions for a more balanced perspective.
Experiences also shape our decision-making abilities. Our past experiences can act as a guide and influence the choices we make in similar situations. This can be both positive and negative, as it can either lead us towards making the same mistakes or help us avoid them. By reflecting on our previous experiences, we can learn from them and make more informed decisions in the future.
Assumptions and beliefs are another factor that can heavily influence our decisions. We often have preconceived notions about certain things based on societal norms, personal values, or cultural backgrounds. These assumptions and beliefs may not always align with reality, leading to biased decision-making. It is important to challenge these assumptions and consider alternative perspectives before making a final decision.
Think of something of a time when someone complain about another person to you. Ask yourself the following questions:
Who said it?
Was it someone you trust? Someone you fear or respect? Someone in a position of authority or power? Does it matter who told you this?
What did they say?
Did they embellish the story? Did they give facts or opinions? Did they provide all the facts? Did they leave anything out?
Where did they say it?
Was it in public or in private? What is prepared or off the cuff. Was is rational or emotional?
When did they say it?
Was it before, during or after an important event? How did the timing impact your reaction? Is timing important?
Why did they say it?
What was the intention or motive of their story telling? What did they hope to gain or benefit as a result of the communication? Did they explain the reasoning behind their opinion? Were they trying to help or hinder a situation?
What was your response?
Did you respond with critical thinking, reflective and consciously or did you react? Were you fair to both parties? Did you make a bigger mess or did you resolve the issue successfully? Did the other person influence your behaviour or thinking?
Critical thinking and being human
Know that you are an emotional human being and will act, think and feel according to the information you are processing. Get as much information, facts and data and look at it rationally before you act, but bring your best human to the decision making - your humility, compassion and empathy - leave the ego at the door.
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